Daily southern Covid-19 cases roared past the 1000 mark yesterday, a surge which contributed to Southland Hospital being abruptly closed to all visitors except those seeing the most seriously ill patients.
The Health Minister has ordered a re-examination of the budget for the $1.47b new Dunedin Hospital, but ruled out any size reduction in the new facility being built in the central city.
Yesterday was the bleakest day of the Covid-19 pandemic so far in the South, which recorded eight deaths across the past five days and had hospitalisations ascend into the 40s for the first time.
Southern daily Covid-19 case numbers soared into the 900s yesterday but the effect, if any, on cases of the rugby test match in Dunedin on Saturday is probably still to be seen.
About half of all southern patients promised that they will be treated within four months will still be waiting to be seen by a clinician 120 days later.
Steady rain in Dunedin today has driven rugby fans inside, but failed to dampen the spirits of ticket holders to tonight’s big game between New Zealand and Ireland.
Health officials are deeply concerned tonight’s All Blacks rugby test against Ireland could turn into a superspreader event for Covid-19 and various winter ailments.
Expectant parents and midwives in Wanaka will soon have the choice to deliver a baby closer to home after confirmation a primary birthing facility will be set up in the town.
Southern health administrators are closely watching the possible arrival of a new wave of Covid-19 as daily cases continue to climb in Otago and Southland.